This section protects certain records and confidential information from disclosure, lets a state agency require confidentiality agreements, and makes unauthorized use, inspection, or disclosure of confidential information an offense.
Sec. 325.0195. RECORDS PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE. (a) A working paper, including all documentary or other information, prepared or maintained by the commission staff in performing its duties under this chapter or other law to conduct an evaluation and prepare a report is excepted from the public disclosure requirements of Section 552.021. (b) A record held by another entity that is considered to be confidential by law and that the commission receives in connection with the performance of the commission's functions under this chapter or another law remains confidential and is excepted from the public disclosure requirements of Section 552.021. (c) A state agency that provides the commission with access to a privileged or confidential communication, record, document, or file under Section 325.019 for purposes of a review under this chapter does not waive the attorney-client privilege, or any other privilege or confidentiality requirement protected or required by the Texas Constitution, common law, statutory law, or rules of evidence, procedure, or professional conduct, with respect to the communication, record, document, or file provided to the commission. For purposes of this subsection, a communication includes a discussion that occurs at a meeting or proceeding of the state agency that is closed to the public. (d) The state agency may require the commission or the members of the commission's staff who view, handle, or are privy to information, or who attend a meeting that is not accessible to the public, to sign a confidentiality agreement that covers the information and requires that: (1) the information not be disclosed outside the commission for purposes other than the purpose for which it was received; (2) the information be labeled as confidential; (3) the information be kept securely; and (4) the number of copies made of the information or the notes taken from the information that implicate the confidential nature of the information be controlled, with all copies or notes that are not destroyed or returned to the governmental body remaining confidential and subject to the confidentiality agreement. (e) A person who obtains access to confidential information in connection with the performance of the commission's duties under this chapter or another law commits an offense if the person knowingly: (1) uses the confidential information for a purpose other than the purpose for which the information was received or for a purpose unrelated to the law that permitted the person to obtain access to the information, including solicitation of political contributions or solicitation of clients; (2) permits inspection of the confidential information by a person who is not authorized to inspect the information; or (3) discloses the confidential information to a person who is not authorized to receive the information. Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1112, Sec. 7.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1279 (H.B. 1675), Sec. 7.03, eff. June 14, 2013.